MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS

HOLISTIC THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Holistic therapy addresses physical, mental and emotional needs on the day and is tailored to what you would like from the massage rather than following a set routine. The massage can focus on a specific area that may be causing tension or to help you relieve stress in body and mind.  Holistic massage draws on a wide range of therapeutic, hands-on massage techniques to encourage physical and mental harmony. Holistic massage therapy may include passive joint mobilisation, stretching and rocking. Head and face massage is a popular part of holistic therapy as are hand and foot massages. For many people, holistic therapy improves sleep patterns, can ease regular headaches and reduces tension in your muscles leaving you feeling more relaxed. With improved sleep, you will feel increased energy throughout your daily activities. Holistic therapy also provides a space to distance yourself from the hectic rush of daily life.

ONCOLOGY MASSAGE

The safety and effectiveness of massage therapy for individuals who have a cancer diagnosis or cancer history is widely accepted. It is used as a supportive intervention. As a registered oncology massage therapist, I would work in a multi-disciplinary manner and consult with the medical team, as appropriate, if there were any concerns regarding therapy. In oncology massage, the “doing” is not as important as the “being”. Your body is already busy with treatment, recovery from treatment, or possibly long term effects of treatment. A simple approach can provide the best results and most effective massage. That being said, there will be specific adaptations necessary in most cases. These will include pressure, site, position and duration of the massage. My aim as a therapist is to provide a safe space to support you and that the massage therapy can be a supportive complement to any biomedical cancer treatment being received.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage is not “hard massage”, the opposite is the case: it is about melting into the tissues and relaxing into them. It is working with massage strokes and techniques from the superficial to the deeper layers of the tissue. The ‘deeper” the work, the slower the strokes are applied. Little or no lubricant is used to ensure that the tissues are engaged. Benefits include increased blood flow, release of fascia and soft tissue adhesions, improved joint flexibility  and reduction of pain.

HOT STONE MASSAGE

Massage with hot stones combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and thermotherapy using stones with the strokes of massage to produce a deep, comforting and healing treatment. The heat of the stones warms the skin, which allows for the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while at the same time preparing and relaxing the musculature of the body so the therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers. What retains the heat in the stones is the basalt it is made up of.

PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Massage during pregnancy is safe from the moment you become pregnant, but it is common to wait until after your first scan as the pregnancy progresses as many ladies feel too fatigued and may be experiencing sickness. As the body changes shape and with increased weight, changes in posture can trigger new aches and pains that can cause real discomfort. Pregnancy massage is one way to help soothe painful areas and increase range of movement. Extra pillows or supports can make positioning more comfortable. By the 2nd trimester most treatment takes place in the side lying position with your bump, knees and ankles fully supported or in a supported seated position. Massage can help relieve anxiety particularly in the 3rd trimester approaching birth, the relaxation can help you cope with strong emotions that may be present towards the end of your pregnancy. 

POST NATAL MASSAGE

Pregnancy clients often ask how soon they can have a massage after giving birth and the answer is really as soon as they feel ready. In the case of a woman who has had a caesarean, medical advice would be to wait for at least 6 weeks until scars and stitches have had time to heal. Massage post birth will help the muscles release the muscle memory of labour, gently aid healing and help with spinal realignment. These are all important factors in helping the body to return to its pre pregnancy state. Massage gives mums a much needed rest and ‘me’ time after birth. It produces lots of endorphins, our happy hormones and helps us to feel good. Post-natal massage can be done with baby latched and feeding, snuggled up next to mum or on a mat in the room near mum. If you have someone who can hold baby when they don’t need feeding, even better, but if not we can work around the baby, and they can stay as close to mum as they need to. 

Massage can help relax the body and mind, promoting a sense of calmness and reducing stress levels. It can also lower the production of stress hormones like cortisol while increasing the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.

 Massage therapy can alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve overall comfort. It can be particularly effective for relieving chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, migraines, and arthritis. Massage helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

   The manipulation of soft tissues during a massage stimulates blood flow and lymphatic circulation. This can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs, promoting healing, reducing swelling, and removing toxins from the body.

   Massage techniques like stretching and joint mobilization can help improve flexibility and increase the range of motion in joints. Regular massages can be beneficial for athletes and individuals with limited mobility.

 Massage promotes relaxation and can help individuals who have trouble sleeping. It has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia, and enhance overall sleep patterns.

   Regular massage sessions have been linked to a strengthened immune system. The increase in blood and lymph circulation, along with the reduction in stress hormones, can enhance the body's ability to fight off illness and infection.

 Massage not only relaxes the body but also provides a nurturing and comforting experience. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and increase feelings of overall well-being.

 Massage therapy can play a crucial role in preventing injuries by reducing muscle tension and improving flexibility. It is also commonly used as part of injury rehabilitation programs to aid in the recovery process and promote healing.